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Broncos excited to have multitalented Sharpe back

DENVER (AP) -- Shannon Sharpe's decision to return for another season does more than just solidify the Denver Broncos' tight end corps.

It also assures the Broncos of having another year of Sharpe's veteran leadership and locker-room presence. It also gives new quarterback Jake Plummer another productive target.

"We're excited that Shannon is returning," general manager Ted Sundquist said Wednesday. "All along, we were counting on him coming back. We had a feeling he would return, and that's one of the reasons we didn't go in that direction in the draft.

"He's a real positive for this team. Obviously, he's been one of the leaders of this club. He has been a player voice, one way or the other, for a number of years, and he brings great enthusiasm to the game. He's the all-time leading receiver among tight ends, and that's hard to replace."

Sharpe, who turns 35 next month, ranks No. 1 among tight ends in receptions (753) and receiving yards (9,290), and is second in touchdown catches (54).

Despite missing three games last season with a dislocated right elbow, he ranked third on the team with 61 catches for 686 yards and three touchdowns, including an 82-yarder.

As the season ended, Sharpe was noncommittal about coming back for a 14th season in 2003.

Coach Mike Shanahan said during last month's draft that he knew what Sharpe's decision was, but he didn't disclose it.

Sundquist said he believes Sharpe is returning with an attitude of "unfinished business. I think everybody thought we were a playoff-caliber team last year, and we didn't get it done [finishing 9-7]. We have a chance to bounce back this year and compete for the Super Bowl."

Sharpe's return gives the Broncos five tight ends heading into this weekend's minicamp.

"We feel good about all the guys we have at that position," Sundquist said. "Dwayne Carswell means so much to our running game because of his blocking. Jeb Putzier made a lot of progress in his rookie year last season. Patrick Hape gives us versatility in that he can play at fullback and H-back. And we're really high on [free agent] Arthur Love.

"With Shannon coming in, we think that rounds out a really competitive group. And it gives Jake another weapon to throw to, a proven weapon. It has to really give Jake some confidence knowing he has Shannon Sharpe and Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey and a rising Ashley Lelie to throw to, and then can hand off to Clinton Portis."

 

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